Chief Minister Howard Quayle MHK was the key speaker at the Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce annual meeting.

The event, sponsored by DQ Advocates, was held at The Claremont Hotel, Douglas, and attended by 125 guests including the Lieutenant Governor Sir Richard Gozney.

Chamber, which is the island’s biggest business network, welcomed guests representing a broad cross-section of economic sectors.

The Chief Minister gave a summary of the latest developments regarding Brexit from the Isle of Man’s perspective, and explained how Isle of Man Government was continuing to work with the UK Government, and colleagues in the Crown Dependencies, to ensure that the interests of the Crown Dependencies are represented in the final Brexit deal.

Moving on to discuss the development of the Department for Enterprise agency model, the Chief Minister thanked Chamber for its support.

He said: ’I want to thank Chamber for working with us so that we can be the island that is a special place to live and work. Chamber has been a key part of my re-design of the Department for Enterprise, and has played an instrumental role in the review and of the concept of the agency model.’

Mr Quayle also praised Chamber for its contribution to the Barclays Eagle Lab in Douglas, describing the lab as a ’real asset for our business community’.

Chamber’s headquarters is now located within Barclays Eagle Lab on Victoria Street.

Chamber president Chris Allen thanked the Chief Minister, other dignitaries, and all guests for attending the AGM, and for supporting Chamber throughout the year.

He also gave a summary of the organisation’s most significant achievements during the past year, and the practical steps taken by in order for Chamber to continue to be the voice of business in the Isle of Man, foster business relationships, and to play a role in driving economic growth.

Key objectives which have been achieved included supporting the Department for Enterprise agency model, increasing Chamber membership and offering more value to members, growing funding opportunities for Chamber, and developing more ways to support new and emergent businesses.

Mr Allen ended by encouraging members to provide feedback - both positive and negative - to ensure that Chamber continued to offer the benefits that members expect.

It was announced that Rebecca George, Chamber’s chief operating officer, has now been promoted to chief executive. President Chris Allen congratulated her on her appointment.